Half of British children suffer back pain due to 'slouch potato' lifestyles

Children as young as six are falling victim to back pain as 'slouch potato' lifestyles take their toll on the young generation, a report showed.

The latest research issued by The British Chiropractic Association reveals that childhood back pain has reached an all time high in the UK.

It blames too many hours slumped in front of TV, carrying heavy bags to school and playing little sport for the rise in cases among youngsters.

Almost a third (32 per cent) of 6 to 7 year olds are complaining of back pain, and 45 per cent experience aches and pains by the age of 11.

A couch potato lifestyle and heavy school bags causes almost half of school children to have back pain by the age of 11

Almost half of 6 to 15 year olds (45 per cent) admit to spending the majority of their half terms playing computer games or watching TV instead of being active.

The survey of 1,200 children found the daily school routine is also taking its toll with 72 per cent of the nation's school children carrying around heavy books and sports equipment all day on their backs.

And the bags they are carrying may be causing even more harm, with nearly two thirds (63 per cent) wearing a rucksack correctly on both shoulders.

In fact, almost two thirds of 6 to 15 year olds suffering from back pain continue to opt for other types of school bags over rucksacks.

Tim Hutchful from The British Chiropractic Association said: 'With children as young as six now complaining from back pain, this survey clearly highlights the alarming rate at which back pain is growing within the UK.

'There are simple steps parents can take such as checking that children aren't carrying around unnecessary items in their bags and encouraging them to use a rucksack worn correctly on both shoulders. But we are in no doubt that lack of exercise is children's number one enemy. '

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Half of British children suffer back pain due to 'slouch potato' lifestyles